Our walk on Day 2 took us from Matosinhos—Lavra—Labruge—Vila Cha—Mindelo--Vila do Conde, a distance of 13.7 mi, 5:50, 47m up/25m down. It was an easy walk. The route was mainly on boardwalks and you pass several interesting landmarks.
From our hotel O Valentim, we crossed the Ponte Movel de Leca and followed the road to the coast. After 30 minutes, we reached the Piscina das Mares, public saltwater swimming pools built into the rocks along the Atlantic. They were built in the 1960s.
It was such a pleasant walk.
Twenty minutes later, we reached the Farol da Boa Nova. Built in 1926, it is Portugal's 2nd tallest lighthouse at 46 meters.
I'm not sure what this installation is called. I thought it was La Ligna do Mar but I can't confirm.
Monument dedicated to Antonio Nobre, a Portuguese poet.
The boardwalk with wishes for a Bom Caminho (Good Journey). It's customary to wish fellow pilgrims a Bom Caminho in Portugal and Buen Camino in Spain as you pass each other.
Obelisco da Memoria was erected in 1840 at the site where a landing took place in 1832 that altered the history of Portugal. 7500 men of the Liberating Army arrived in Porto and overthrew Dom Miguel I. This signaled the end of Old Portugal and the beginning of New Portugal.
In Lavra, you can find old Roman salt tanks, used for collecting salt and salting fish.
Traditional stone fisherman's house where boats, nets and utensils for collecting seaweed were kept.
Traps line the walk.
Wooden bridge over Rio Onda, which separates Lavra from Labruge.
Merchants set up shop on the beach. These guys were selling wooden windchimes.
S. Paio Engravings--prehistoric carvings on the rocks.
Walkng through Vila Cha, a small fishing village.
Mindelo is a civil parish 23 km north of Porto. It is still considered part of the metropolitan area of Porto.
Small stone church on the outskirts of Vila do Conde.
After crossing the Ave River, you arrive in Vila do Conde, one of the most beautiful towns we visited. The Praca da Republica was a beautiful sight.
2022 09 27
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